Thanks John I didn't realise it was that far away from hitting Australian shores because I've been reading some reports with speculations of it having a bi-turbo or tri-burbo with about 450hp. Having read the reports and motor journalist insights I have always thought it was only about a year away from release (2014).

100% it won't be under $160k. Hands down the E92 M3 has always been crowd pleaser and the one to have especially in comparison to the barbaric C63 that can't even stay in a straight line on the track whereas the M3 handles it with ease. Undoubtedbly the M3 IMO has always been a sublime track car when it comes to performance handling and engineering at a decent price tag in comparison to say the Porsche GT3 RS 4.0

I wonder whether this is actually a new story? The Pure Edition and Pure Edition II have already been released, and driveaway pricing (GST, LCT and Dealer Delivery) was quite a bit more. Not sure if the Disclaimer underneath the Carsales editorial is correct...

Quote:

Disclaimer:
In most cases, motoring.com.au attends new vehicle launches at the invitation and expense of vehicle manufacturers and/or distributors.

Editorial prices shown are a "price guide" only, based on information provided to us by the manufacturer. Pricing current at the time of writing editorial. Pricing prior to editorial dated 25 May 2009 may refer to RRP. Due to Clarity on Pricing legislation, RRP for those editorials now means "price guide". When purchasing a car, always confirm the single figure price with the seller of an actual vehicle.

^ If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away No More to Pay", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges. Please confirm price and features with the seller of the vehicle.

Opinions expressed with motoring.com.au editorial material are those of the writer and not necessarily Carsales.com Ltd. motoring.com.au editorial staff and contributors attend overseas and local events as guests of car manufacturers and importers.

Yes, but would you trade in your 1M for it? I spent the day driving M3s at Eastern Creek during the BMW training course and thought my 1M felt great when I climbed back into it. Great cars, but no desire to replace the 1M with an M3.

__________________

"This is a brilliant, brilliant, brilliant car. And that's all really I've got to say. The end."

The coupe Rob is 18 months 2 years away, and you dreaming if you think the new one will be less than $160k. Great car at a great price IMHO, but I am glad I sold my '08 car last year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob32R

Thanks John I didn't realise it was that far away from hitting Australian shores because I've been reading some reports with speculations of it having a bi-turbo or tri-burbo with about 450hp. Having read the reports and motor journalist insights I have always thought it was only about a year away from release (2014).

To clarify the new M3 will be coming 2014 as a sedan. The coupe would become the M4 and I would say probably 2 years before we see it in the Australian market but probably 18months before launch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flinchy

so it's cut down to ALMOST a regular 3er with the V8 in it (and all the other M bits of course, suspension/subframe etc.)? that's fair enough i think, awesome price!

ED:

the E36 M3 cost $124,650 when it was introduced in 1994.

wow the E36 M3 was VERY expensive

i haven't worked it out, but counting inflation, this M3 is much MUCH cheaper than the E36.

Actually M3 doesn't share many parts with the series model - they just look similar.

If you want to look at inflation, you are right. However, most other BMWs and makes prices haven't moved much for the past 20 years in absolute $ terms. The E92 M3 was the exception.